Pakistani Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist Mohammad Naveed and his two local aides, Showkat Ahmed Bhat and Khursheed Ahmed Bhat, face threat to their lives inside the high security Kot Bhalwal jail. This fact was brought to the notice of the special NIA court by the jail superintendent, who in a letter sought permission to keep them in the observation block instead of the general barracks.

Referring to the court’s September 30 direction about not keeping the accused in the cell, he pointed out that there were many hardcore criminals lodged in the jail.

“As per our sources, there is every apprehension of a clash if they are kept in general barracks…keeping in view the safeguard of the above said accused, undersigned may please be authorised to keep them in the observation block for smooth functioning of the institution,’’ he said.

Truck helper held

Srinagar: Police have arrested the helper of a truck in which Pakistani militant Naveed and his accomplice travelled to Udhampur on August 5. The NIA had announced reward of Rs 2 lakh on the helper. Police have already arrested the driver of the vehicle and four others who had helped militants. Police sources said the helper, Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, 28, of Qoimoh, was arrested following a tip-off. ENS